Andhra Pradesh Government Unveils Comprehensive Hanuman Project to Address Human-Wildlife Conflict
In a significant move to tackle the escalating incidents of human-wildlife conflict across the state, Deputy Chief Minister and Forest & Environment Minister Pawan Kalyan formally launched the Hanuman Project on Tuesday. The statewide initiative was inaugurated at the APSP 6th Battalion Parade Ground in Mangalagiri, where over 100 specially equipped vehicles were flagged off as part of the ambitious rollout.
Addressing Growing Threats to Both Humans and Wildlife
The Hanuman Project — officially expanded as Healing and Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid and Nursing of Wildlife — has been introduced in direct response to increasing cases of crop damage, livestock loss, and threats to both human life and wildlife in forest-border villages throughout Andhra Pradesh. "The balance of nature and protection of wildlife are crucial for human survival. Recent incidents have shown the urgent need for a structured and scientific response mechanism," emphasized Pawan Kalyan during the launch ceremony.
Comprehensive Infrastructure and Rapid Response Deployment
Under this groundbreaking initiative, the state government has deployed 93 rapid response and rescue vehicles alongside 7 specialized wildlife ambulances across various districts. Furthermore, four dedicated wildlife rescue and treatment centers have been established, complemented by 19 rapid response teams strategically positioned in key locations including Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, and Tirupati.
Each response team comprises a multidisciplinary group of forest officials, veterinary staff, and trained support personnel specifically equipped to ensure immediate action during wildlife-related emergencies. "Hanuman's main duty is to protect crops, livestock, people's lives, and property while ensuring strict wildlife conservation. Whenever an incident occurs, immediate response, mitigation, and compensation systems will be activated," explained Minister Kalyan regarding the project's core objective.
Enhanced Compensation and Grassroots Protection Teams
In a major relief measure for affected communities, Pawan Kalyan announced that ex-gratia payments for deaths caused by wild animal attacks have been doubled from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh. Compensation for injuries has been substantially increased to ₹2 lakh, while cattle losses will now be compensated at full market value rather than previous fixed rates.
The initiative also includes the formation of village-level Vajra wildlife protection teams designed to handle local issues, particularly addressing situations involving snakes and other animals straying into human habitations. These grassroots teams will serve as the first line of defense in conflict-prone areas.
Technological Integration and Future Vision
Looking toward innovative solutions, the minister revealed that AI-based wildlife monitoring systems are currently being piloted to track animal movements and provide early warnings in vulnerable areas. This technological integration aims to create predictive models that can prevent conflicts before they occur.
"Our goal is to ensure that humans and wildlife coexist safely with minimal conflict. The Hanuman Project represents a holistic approach that combines immediate response capabilities with long-term conservation strategies," added Pawan Kalyan, highlighting the project's comprehensive nature.
The launch event witnessed participation from senior forest department officials, wildlife conservation experts, and local community representatives who welcomed the initiative as a much-needed intervention in addressing the complex challenges at the human-wildlife interface. The project's implementation will be closely monitored with regular assessments planned to measure its effectiveness in reducing conflict incidents across Andhra Pradesh.
